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What Kinds of Food Are in a Low-Residue Diet for Dogs?

A low-residue diet may help your pooch through times of discomfort and illness.

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Sometimes your vet may recommend switching your pooch to a totally different diet to help with various conditions. A low-residue diet is designed to help your dog's digestive tract during digestive-related illnesses. This diet is a bland diet and restrictive on many different ingredients. Always consult an experienced veterinarian regarding the health and treatment of your pet.

What It Is

Low-residue diets are those that contain ingredients that are metabolized nearly completely during the digestive process. In layman terms, this means your dog's body will use more of the nutrients and have smaller, easier-on-the-body poops as there isn't much waste. These diets restrict or completely remove ingredients with high crude fiber content. Some low-residue dog foods contain prescription medicines in them for different diseases.

Reasons for Low-Residue Diets

A low-residue diet often is prescribed by a veterinarian when a pooch has intestinal or digestive problems. This low-fiber diet is easier for your dog's body to process while he's recovering from digestive-related illnesses or issues. It can help with diarrhea, vomiting and other problems. Dogs suffering from inflammation of the stomach or liver problems benefit from low-residue diets because these diseases can put less strain on the digestive tract.

What to Expect

When your vet recommends putting your pooch on a low-residue diet, you'll see a few changes. First and foremost, you'll notice his stools are smaller and possibly firmer. This type of diet also is recommended typically for a temporary basis, such as while he's ill with digestive-related issues. As with other dietary changes, introduce this one gradually over a short period of time.

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About the Author

With a professional background in gardening, landscapes, pests and natural ecosystems, Jasey Kelly has been sharing her knowledge through writing since 2009 and has served as an expert writer in these fields. Kelly's background also includes childcare, and animal rescue and care.